Engler Alderman

Chicago has been divided into municipal legislative districts called wards since their establishment in 1837 with six wards. The number of wards increased to accommodate the growth of the population, and two members were elected for each ward to the Common Council. In 1923, the actual system was agreed to with one alderperson representing each of 50 wards. Unlike other cities, Chicago has maintained its ward system instead of changing to other voting systems such as smaller councils or nonpartisan elections. State laws require that ward boundaries changes after each federal census to ensure similar representation by population size. During the 1970s and 1980s, there were five court-ordered redistricting to redress the underrepresentation of minorities. Alderpersons are elected every four years. Chicago’s alderpersons are usually given a political deference called “aldermanic privilege” over the ward’s zoning, licenses, permits, property-tax reductions, and city contracts which sometimes facilitates corruption.  

Unfortunately, Engler did not get elected as alderman for Chicago’s 13th ward. The 13th ward covers parts of West Lawn, Clearing, West Elsdon and Garfield Ridge neighborhoods. Midway International Airport is just north of the ward. The offices are in 6500 S. Pulaski Rd., Chicago.